Australia’s top-order batting was surprisingly loose as England picked up early wickets on day one of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, keeping alive their hopes of staging a historic comeback in the 2025 series.

With Australia leading 2-0 in the series, England needed a win at the Adelaide Oval to have any chance of regaining the urn. However, despite a benign batting surface, Australia’s batting displayed moments of carelessness, leaving England with a helping hand.

Loose Shots Cost Australia

By the close of play, Australia were 271-7, with only wicketkeeper Alex Carey converting a start into a substantial score. Six of the top seven had reached double figures, yet all but Carey were dismissed due to reckless strokes rather than consistent bowling pressure.

The first wicket to fall was Jake Weatherald, bowled for 10 by England pacer Jofra Archer, though that was arguably the least questionable dismissal. Travis Head followed soon after, attempting a drive to cover, only to be caught spectacularly by Zak Crawley in a one-handed effort, leaving the hosts at 33-2.

Unexpected Collapses

The most surprising collapses came from players known for their measured approach. Marnus Labuschagne, who typically treasures his wicket, misjudged the first delivery after lunch from Archer and pulled it straight to mid-wicket. Two balls later, Cameron Green chipped a catch to the same fielder, turning a promising 94-2 into 94-4 without England needing to bowl exceptionally well.

“With the exception of Weatherald who got an excellent ball they have given their wickets away,” said **BBC Test Match Special commentator Jonathan Agnew. “The fall of wickets has been quite cavalier and casual. If that had been England throwing those wickets away I think we know what we would have been saying.”

Even Usman Khawaja, called in late to replace the ill Steve Smith, gave away his wicket after scoring a disciplined 82 from 126 balls, slog-sweeping spinner Will Jacks to deep square leg. Former England spinner Phil Tufnell suggested the late withdrawal of Smith may have unsettled the lineup:
“The force that Smith brings in that batting line-up may have got them a little jittery, but England have hung in.”

England Bowled Well, But Not Perfectly

Despite taking seven wickets on day one, England did not dominate in terms of consistent line and length. Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath noted:
“England have not bowled that well consistently. They have not bowled in consistent areas, but they have picked up seven wickets. Australia have been given a helping hand.”

Carey remains the key for Australia as he looks to stabilize the innings and push towards a competitive first-innings total. Historically, Adelaide Oval’s first-innings averages hover around 396, with Australia having posted 440+ on eight occasions in their past 14 matches, suggesting there is still work to do to set England a challenging target.

Record Rarity

This innings was only the fourth time on record that four of Australia’s top five have been dismissed on day one of a Test via attacking shots, underlining the unusual nature of the top-order collapse in Adelaide.

Australia’s performance highlighted a combination of batting recklessness, the absence of Steve Smith, and sporadic tension in the lineup, while England took advantage despite not bowling consistently. The battle is set for a fascinating continuation on day two, with Carey potentially anchoring Australia’s effort to stay in the contest.